Choosing & Using Drywall

Drywall, a wall or ceiling finishing material, has a core of gypsum (plaster) sandwiched between layers of heavy paper, a finished surface and a rough surface. Drywall gets its name, as an alternative to plaster that is wet when applied. Known by a few terms and trade names, gypsum board, wallboard and Sheetrock (which is a trade name), drywall has become the standard finishing product for new home construction, as it is far less labor intensive and does not require skilled labor compared to lathe and plaster finishing.

Sheets of drywall usually have the long edges tapered in order to allow for taping and finishing the seams with drywall joint compound. The ends of drywall panels are not tapered and it is possible to purchase drywall having all the edges flat rather than tapered.

Drywall panels are available in four thicknesses; 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2” and 5/8”. Standard sheets of drywall are 4’ wide and 8’, 10’ and 12’ long, but they are also available in 6’, 7’ and 16’ lengths. You will pay a high premium for nonstandard lengths. Although the most common drywall sheets are 1/2” thick, check with your local building department to verify the requirements in your neighborhood. If you are applying drywall to a finished surface, as a new surface finish you can use 1/4” or 3/8”, however if it is the only material on the wall or ceiling you should use a minimum of 1/2" if you have 16” centers on your studs or ceiling beams and 5/8” if you have centers that are farther apart than 16”. If you are wrapping a curved wall, you can use multi-layers of 1/4” or 3/8”.

In order to wrap a curved wall, nail one end of the drywall in place. Use a water sprayer and moisten the sheet of drywall, slowly force the drywall to take the shape nailing or screwing as you go. Nails and screws, must not break the paper surface. Double screw or nail on the edges. When you have completed the first layer, you can add a second layer to create a minimum thickness of 1/2".

For more information on using drywall, fasteners and taping follow the link below.

Drywall, Fasteners, Taping

For information on other home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

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